BK Precision 8510B, 8542B, 8502B, 8500B User Manual

Contents

1 General Information 5

1.1 Product Overview 5

1.2 Package Contents 5

1.3 Product Dimensions 6

1.4 Rackmount Installation 6

1.5 Front Panel Overview 6

1.5.1 Combination Keys 6

1.6 Rear Panel Overview 8

1.7 Display Overview 8

2 Getting Started 10

2.1 Input Power 10

2.2 Fuse Requirements 10

2.2.1 Fuse Replacement 10

2.3 Input Connections 11

2.4 Preliminary Check 11

2.4.1 Verify AC Input Voltage 11

2.4.2 Self-test Errors 11

2.4.3 Input Check 12

2.4.4 Check Model and Firmware Version 12

3 Front Panel Operation 13

3.1 Local Mode/Remote Mode 13

3.2 Constant Current (CC) Mode 13

3.2.1 Congure CC Parameters 13

3.3 Slew Rate Measurement and Actual Transition time 14

3.4 Constant Voltage (CV) Mode 14

3.4.1 Congure CV Parameters 14

3.5 Constant Power (CW) Mode 14

3.5.1 Congure CW Parameters 14

3.6 Constant Resistance (CR) Mode 15

3.6.1 Congure CR Parameters 15

4 Front Panel Operation 16

4.1 Local Mode/Remote Mode 16

4.2 Constant Current (CC) Mode 16

4.2.1 Congure CC Parameters 16

4.3 Slew Rate Measurement and Actual Transition time 17

4.4 Constant Voltage (CV) Mode 17

4.4.1 Congure CV Parameters 17

4.5 Constant Power (CW) Mode 17

4.5.1 Congure CW Parameters 17

4.6 Constant Resistance (CR) Mode 18

4.6.1 Congure CR Parameters 18

4.7 CR-LED Test Function 18

4.7.1 Setup 18

5 Rear Panel Functions 19

5.1 Remote Sensing 19

5.2 External Triggering 19

5.3 Current Monitoring (I Monitor) 20

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6 Advanced Functions 21

6.1 Short Operation 21

6.2 Short-circuit Analog Function 21

6.3 Transient Operation 21

6.3.1 CC Mode 22

6.3.2 CV, CW, and CR modes 22

6.4 LIST Operation 22

6.4.1 Congure List 23

6.4.2 Run List 23

6.4.3 Disable List Mode 24

6.5 Battery Test Function 24

6.5.1 Test Conguration 24

6.5.2 Enable Battery Test Mode 25

6.5.3 Recall Battery File 25

6.5.4 Start Battery Test 25

6.6 Program Mode 25

6.6.1 Example: Small AC/DC power supply test 25

6.6.2 Start Auto Test File 30

6.6.3 Recall Test File 30

6.7 Measurement of Voltage Rise Time 30

6.7.1 Set initial Voltage and Final Voltage 30

6.8 Ripple Function 31

7 Conguration Functions 32

7.1 VON Function 32

7.2 Menu Operation 32

7.3 System Menu 32

7.4 Menu Options 32

7.5 System Menu (System) 33

7.6 Cong Menu 34

8 System Settings 35

8.1 Run Recall Edit 35

8.2 To recall the settings 35

8.3 To run the OPP test 35

8.4 Key Lock 35

8.5 Restore Factory Default Settings 36

8.5.1 Congure Power-On State 36

8.5.2 Load On Knob 37

8.5.3 Congure Trigger Source 37

8.5.4 Save/Recall Instrument Settings 37

8.5.5 Select Storage Group 38

8.5.6 Save Settings 38

8.5.7 Recall Settings 38

8.5.8 Display Input On Timer 39

8.5.9 Remote Interface Setup 39

8.5.10 RS-232 39

8.5.11 CONFIG Menu 40

8.5.11.1 Von Operation 40

8.5.12 Congure Protection Settings 40

8.5.13 PROTECT MENU 40

8.5.14 Max-P A-Limit P-Limit Time 40

8.5.15 Overcurrent Protection (OCP) 41

8.5.16 Overpower Protection (OPP) 42

8.5.17 Recall OPP File 43

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8.5.18 Overvoltage Protection (OVP) 44

8.5.19 Overtemperature Protection (OTP) 44

8.5.20 Reverse Voltage Protection (LRV/RRV) 44

8.5.21 Congure Timed Input 44

8.5.22 Measurement Congurations 45

8.5.23 CR LED Function 46

8.5.24 Remote Sensing 46

8.5.25 External Triggering 47

8.5.26 Current Monitoring (I Monitor) 47

9 Protection Functions 48

9.1 OCP Test Function 48

9.2 OPP Test Function 49

9.3 OPP TEST 49

9.4 Over Voltage Protection (OVP) 49

9.5 Over Current Protection (OCP) 50

9.6 Over Power Protection (OPP) 50

9.7 Over Temperature Protection (OTP) 50

9.8 Reverse Voltage Protection (LRV) 51

10 Remote Operation 52

10.1 Interface Connection 52

10.2 Serial Interface 52

10.2.1 GPIB 52

10.2.2 USBTMC 52

10.2.3 Remote Commands 52

11 Troubleshooting Guide 53

11.1 General 53

11.2 Remote Control 53

11.3 Error Information References 53

11.4 Exception handling 53

12 Service Information 55

13 LIMITED THREE-YEAR WARRANTY 56

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General Information

1.1 Product Overview

The 8500B Series DC Electronic Loads are versatile instruments used for static and dynamic testing of DC power supplies, batteries, DC-to-DC converters, battery chargers, and other applications including fuel-cell, and solar cell test. Primary modes include constant voltage (CV), constant current (CC), constant resistance (CR), and constant power (CW). A wide range of dynamic loading applications can also be simulated through user-programmable slew rates, load levels, duration, and conducting voltage. Further, transient, list mode, battery mode, and LED modes further extend testing capabilities. Versatile triggering options allow the dynamic load behavior to be synchronized with other events. The DC load is remotely programmable via the TTL serial interface. This interface requires 0-5V signal levels and can connect to typical serial ports via an adapter such as the IT-E132B.

Features:

• CC/CV/CR/CW operating modes

• List mode

• Transient mode

• Measurement speed up to 40 kHz

• Remote sense function

• Battery test function

• OCP and OPP automatic test

• CR-LED function

• Store/recall up to 100 setups

• Analog current monitoring

• Adjustable slew rate in CC mode

• OVP/OCP/OPP/OTP and reverse voltage protection

1.2 Package Contents

Please inspect the instrument mechanically and electrically upon receiving it. Unpack all items from the shipping carton, and check for any obvious signs of physical damage that may have occurred during transportation. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save the original packing carton for possible future reshipment. Every instrument is shipped with the following contents:

• 8500B series DC Electronic load

• IT-E132B USB to TTL adapter

• AC Power Cord

• Certicate of Calibration

• Test Report

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Verify that all items above are included. If anything is missing, please contact B&K Precision.

1.3 Product Dimensions

All models are designed to t in a standard 19-inch rackmount. The dimensions are shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 External Dimensions - Half-rack models

1.4 Rackmount Installation

The instrument can be installed in a standard 19 inch rack. For half-rack models, the optional rackmount kit IT-E151 is required. Figure 1.2 shows one of the half-rack sized units using the IT-E151 rackmount kit. This rackmount kit also accomodates up to two half-rack models installed side by side.

Figure 1.2 Half-Rack sized Unit

1.5 Front Panel Overview

See Figure 1.3.

1.5.1 Combination Keys

Press button rst and then other keys to activate the more advanced functions.

+ Turn short circuit on or oﬀ.

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Item Description

1 VFD Display

2 Power Switch and Function Keys

3 Numeric Input and Advanced Functions

4 Mode keys and Input Control

5 Navigation Keys

6 Input Terminals

7 Rotary Input Knob

Figure 1.3 Front Panel

+ Start or stop transient condition.

+ Set LIST operation parameters.

+ Store the DC Load state in non-volatile memory.

+ Turn on or oﬀ battery testing function.

+ Enter auto test function.

+ Display product’s Model/SN/Version.

+ System menu setting

+ Congure menu setting

+ Press this button if you need a pause when runing an auto test le.

+ Cause an immediate trigger.

+ Enter OCP test function.

+ Set detailed parameters in CC/CV/CW/CRmode.

+ Enter OPP test function.

+ Recall the DC Load state from non-volatile memory.

+ Key lock function

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1.6 Rear Panel Overview

Item Description

1 Power Input and Fuse Holder

2 AC Voltage Switch

3 Current Monitor Output

4 Remote Sense and Trigger Input

5 TTL (5V) Communication DE-9 Connector

1.7 Display Overview

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Item Description

1 Measured Voltage

2 Measured Current

3 Measured Power

4 Set Value

5 Input Oﬀ indicator, lit when input is oﬀ

6 Operation mode indicators (CC, CV, CW, CR)

12 Remote control active indicator

13 Error indicator

14 Waiting for Trigger indicator

15 Timer indicator

16 External indicator

16 Remote Sense active indicator

17 Protection event indicator

18 Auto range

19 Key Lock indicator

20 Shift indicator

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Getting Started

Before connecting and powering up the instrument, please review and go through the instructions in this chapter.

2.1 Input Power

The load has a selectable AC input that accepts line voltage input within:

Voltage Frequency

115 V (+/-10%) or 230 V (+/- 10%) 47 Hz – 63 Hz

Table 2.1 Input Power Requirements

Use the line voltage selector switch in the back to switch between 110 V and 220 V operation.

Disconnect all cables including the power cord from the instrument when changing the instrument’s line voltage. After changing the line voltage setting, ensure the instrument has fuses of the proper ratings and types for the selected line voltage before applying line power.

2.2 Fuse Requirements

An AC input fuse is necessary when powering the instrument. Below is a table of the fuse required for all models operating with either 110 VAC or 220 VAC input. See Table ??. The fuses are 5mm x 20mm High Energy Slow Blow type (ceramic casing with sand ll).

Model Fuse Specication (110 VAC) Fuse Specication (220 VAC)

8542B 1.25 A, 250 V 500 mA, 250 V

8500B 1.25 A, 250 V 500 mA, 250 V

8502B 1.25 A, 250 V 500 mA, 250 V

8510B 3.15 A, 250 V 1.6 A, 250 V

Table 2.2 Fuse Ratings

2.2.1 Fuse Replacement

Follow the steps below to replace to check the fuse:

1. Locate the fuse box next to the AC input connector in the rear panel, see Figure 2.1.

2. With a small at blade screwdriver, insert into the fuse box slit to pull and slide out the fuse box as indicated below.

3. Check and replace fuse (if necessary) for the desired line voltage operation.

Figure 2.1 Fuse Holder

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2.3 Input Connections

The main DC input terminal is a screw type binding post terminal located in the front panel, holes are included for inserting wires, and the binding post also includes “banana jack” connections. Each connection allows for diﬀerent current levels. The “banana” input is capable of up to 10 A of current. Any more current is not recommended and could lead to excessive connector heating, melting and worse.

Note: The screws on the terminals can be completely removed to allow for ring type adapters. The screw posts are 7mm in diameter.

Due to the high current rating of the DC load, proper wire sizes are necessary for safe connectivity and to prevent wires from overheating.

Before connecting wires to the input terminals, turn OFF the load to avoid damage to the instrument and

the device under test (DUT).

High Current Connection Low (<10 A) Current Connection

Figure 2.2 Input Connections

2.4 Preliminary Check

Complete the steps in this section to verify that the load is ready for use.

2.4.1 Verify AC Input Voltage

Verify and check to make sure proper AC voltages are available to power the instrument. The AC voltage range must meet the acceptable specication as explained in Section ??. Connect AC power cord to the AC receptacle in the rear panel and press the power switch to the ON position to turn ON the instrument. It will run through a self test procedure with the screen shown below:

2.4.2 Self-test Errors

Connect AC power cord to the AC receptacle in the rear panel and press the power switch to the ON position to turn ON the instrument. Various elements of the system are checked during the power-on self test routine. If any occur, they

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are reported during the power-up procedure. See Section 11 for troubleshooting and error information details. During self-test, the display displays “System Init”, and dots are displayed showing the test progress level.

2.4.3 Input Check

Follow the steps below to check that the load is operating correctly, and that the load elements (power transistors) are not damaged. A DC power supply rated for at least 5V and 1 A is required for this check.

1. Connect the input terminal to a DC power supply and congure the supply to output 5 V and current limit to 1 A.

2. Power on the load. The display will show the “OFF” annunciator above the voltage display.

3. Turn on the DC power supply’s output. Observe the load’s measured voltage display, it should read approximately 5 V.

4. Press the “CC” button to enable the constant current load mode.

5. Use the keypad to enter 0.5 A. Press the Enter key to set the value.

6. The display should show CC = 0.500A on the bottom right.

7. Press “On/Oﬀ” to enable the load. The “On/Oﬀ” button should light up, and the “Oﬀ” indicator on screen should disappear. The measured current should now display a value close to 0.5 A.

8. This setup veries that the load is drawing power correctly from the power supply.

If the load does not show 5 V, or shows signicant current draw from the connected power supply, the load may be damaged and need service. If when the supply is connected, showing 5 V on the load’s display, and no current is drawn, the load may be damaged and need service.

Note: If the load is not drawing power from the DC power supply, check all load protection limits and settings within the menu to verify that the load is congured to allow drawing power at 5V, 0.500 A. Also, verify that the CC mode

parameters are setup to operate within the congured valid ranges by pressing +

If after checking all of the above, and verifying the power supply used for testing is not at fault, contact B&K for further assistance.

2.4.4 Check Model and Firmware Version

The model and rmware version can be veried by using the *IDN? query remote command. It can also be found from the front panel:

1. Press and

2. The display will show the following:

3. This shows the model to be a BK8542B with Firmware: 1.45

4. Press (esc) to return to the normal display.

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Front Panel Operation

The electronic load provides the following modes:

• Constant current (CC) operation mode

• Constant voltage (CV) operation mode

• Constant resistance (CR) operation mode

• Constant power (CW) operation mode

3.1 Local Mode/Remote Mode

The 8500B series can either be operated locally or remotely. When in “Remote” mode, the RMT indicator will be lit. When in this mode, the front panel of the load is disabled and all commands are issued via the serial interface. In order to exit “Remote” mode and work in “Local” mode, press the “Local” button. This is the small grey button on the left hand side of the numeric keypad.

3.2 Constant Current (CC) Mode

In this mode, the load will draw the specied current as long as the source is capable of delivering it. The load uses transistors in parallel to implement the load circuit, and as such there are some limits. For example, the load has a nite minimum resistance determined by the RdsOn of the transistors. Next, given the resistance limits, there is a limit to the amount of current that may be drawn for a given voltage. The datasheet shows curves for this limit in the section called “Low Voltage Operation”. Please refer to the datasheet for details for each model.

3.2.1 Congure CC Parameters

There are several parameters that should be setup prior to operating in CC mode. First, enable the “CC” mode of operation by pressing the CC mode key. Next, enter the setup menu by pressing “Shift” and then the “CV” key. Above the “CV” key, “Setup” is written. The following are the available menu items, scroll through them with the up/down arrow keys or by entering a value and pressing enter.

Range This denes the maximum allowed current set value. Use this limit to protect against acciden-

tally entering excessive current values either from the keypad or dial.

High This is the voltage high limit for the automatic test mode, it does not apply otherwise. During

automatic test mode, the device under test (DUT) must be operating below the congured value for the test to PASS upon completion. If the DUT operates above the congured value, the test will FAIL upon completion.

Low This parameter refers to the voltage low limit for the automatic test mode. During automatic

test mode, the DUT must be operating above the congured value for the test to PASS upon completion. If the DUT operates below the congured value, the test will FAIL upon completion.

Rise Up/ Fall Down These parameters dene the current slew rate of the load as it changes to a new programmed

value. The programmed slew rate takes eﬀect immediately when set, so if the transient or triggered modes are active, it will apply immediately.

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3.3 Slew Rate Measurement and Actual Transition time

Current slew rate is dened as the change in current over time. A programmable slew rate allows a controlled transition from one load setting to another. The actual transition time is dened as the time for the input to change from 10% to 90%, or 90% to 10% of the programmed current values. The graph below illustrates slew rate measurements. Between the 10% and 90% region, the slew rate can be measured by observing the steepest slope portion. In case of very large load changes, e.g. from no load to full load, the actual transition time will be larger than the expected (measured) time. For this reason, the rmware allows the user to program slew rate values outside of the specied slew rate ranges. The minimum transition time for all programmable slew rates is also limited in cases where the transition from one setting to another is very small, due to bandwidth limitations of the load.

3.4 Constant Voltage (CV) Mode

In this mode, the electronic load will attempt to sink enough current to control the source voltage to the programmed value.

3.4.1 Congure CV Parameters

There are several parameters that should be set up prior to operating in CV mode. Press so that it lights up, then press ) and to access Setup for CV mode. The setup menu will be shown:

Range This value will also act as a limit to how much voltage the load can be congured.

High This is the current upper limit for the automatic test mode. The system must be operating be-

low the congured value for the test to PASS upon completion. If the DUT operates above this value, the test will FAIL.

Low This is the current lower limit for the automatic test mode. The system must be operating be-

low the congured value for the test to PASS upon completion. If the DUT operates below this value, the test will FAIL.

3.5 Constant Power (CW) Mode

In this mode, the electronic load will consume a constant power. When input voltage increases, the input current will decrease, while power (P = V*I) will remain the same. This is a sampled system, so the performance is not as fast as in CC and CV modes.

3.5.1 Congure CW Parameters

There are several parameters that should be set up prior to operating in CW mode. Press so that it lights up, then press )and to access “Setup” for CW mode. The setup menu will be shown: The setup parameters are: Range, High (Voltage limit), and Low (Voltage limit). Use the

) keys to select each parameter, and use the numeric keypad to change the value. Press to conrm the change.

Range This value will also act as a limit the allowed power setting value.

High This parameter sets the upper voltage limit for the automatic test mode. If the voltage exceeds

this upper limit during the test, the test will fail.

High This parameter sets the lower voltage limit for the automatic test mode. If the voltage exceeds

this lower limit during the test, the test will fail.

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3.6 Constant Resistance (CR) Mode

In this mode, the electronic load approximates a resistor. The current draw is varied by the load according to the input voltage. The performance of this mode is not as fast as in CC or CV mode. This is because it is a sampled system and response to changing input takes a nite amount of time.

3.6.1 Congure CR Parameters

There are several parameters that should be set up prior to operating in CR mode. Press so that it lights up, then press )and to access Setup for CR mode. The setup menu will be shown: The setup parameters are: Range, High (Voltage limit), and Low (Voltage limit). Use the (arrow keys) key to select each parameter, and use the numeric keypad to change the value. Press (enter) to conrm the change.

Range This value will also act as a limit the allowed resistance setting value.

High This parameter sets the upper voltage limit for the automatic test mode. If the voltage exceeds

this upper limit during the test, the test will fail.

High This parameter sets the lower voltage limit for the automatic test mode. If the voltage exceeds

this lower limit during the test, the test will fail.

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Front Panel Operation

The electronic load provides the following modes:

• Constant current (CC) operation mode

• Constant voltage (CV) operation mode

• Constant resistance (CR) operation mode

• Constant power (CW) operation mode

4.1 Local Mode/Remote Mode

The 8500B series can either be operated locally or remotely. When in “Remote” mode, the RMT indicator will be lit. When in this mode, the front panel of the load is disabled and all commands are issued via the serial interface. In order to exit “Remote” mode and work in “Local” mode, press the “Local” button. This is the small grey button on the left hand side of the numeric keypad.

4.2 Constant Current (CC) Mode

In this mode, the load will draw the specied current as long as the source is capable of delivering it. The load uses transistors in parallel to implement the load circuit, and as such there are some limits. For example, the load has a nite minimum resistance determined by the RdsOn of the transistors. Next, given the resistance limits, there is a limit to the amount of current that may be drawn for a given voltage. The datasheet shows curves for this limit in the section called “Low Voltage Operation”. Please refer to the datasheet for details for each model.

4.2.1 Congure CC Parameters